Grace Church at Willow Valley

"to prepare God's people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up" - Ephesians 4:12

Joy O’Byrne - Director of Ministry Development
It does something to me inside that I can’t explain when I watch someone uncover something new about God. As we grow in our knowledge of Him through His Word and experience His love for us in our hearts we will grow to love Him more and be formed into the image of Christ!  My ministry at Grace focuses on providing environments for spiritual growth to occur.  That may be in adult classes, in a small group, on a ministry team or at a weekend retreat.  We all are wired differently and we connect with God uniquely.  We want to help you connect with God!  I’ve been on staff since 2001. I’ve been married to Bruce for 20 years and we have two sons, Bryce and Sean. 

Phone: 717-464-2782 (Extension 30)
Email: jobyrne@gracewv.org 

Lisa Vogt - Office Manager
When you walk into the church office, you are bound to be met by Lisa's cheery smile and bubbly personality. As the Office Manager, Lisa is the one to contact for a variety of issues from giving records to scheduling of church events. Her job requires her to be accessible to everyone in the congregation, which she does with enthusiasm and a willing spirit. Lisa has been a part of our staff since 2001. She is married to Cary and has two daughters, Rachel and Megan.

Phone: 717-464-2782 (Extension 42)
Email: lvogt@gracewv.org   

Shirl Pearson - Administrative Assistant
Shirl is most visible in her role as Administrative Assistant for Senior Adults. She enjoys working with Pastor Bob and caring for the many details that come up from week to week. She also helps in general office work. She and her husband Randy make their home in Strasburg with their 3 boys, Dave, Matt and Andrew.

Phone: 717-464-2782 (Extension 32)
Email: spearson@gracewv.org

Janet Long - Financial Administrative Assistant
Her love of numbers and organizational abilities makes her enjoy her job as Grace's bookkeeper. She is always happy to help the staff with any reports or questions they have regarding the finances of the church. Janet has held this position at Grace since 2002. In her spare time, Janet can be found at home with her husband Ted, and their three beautiful children, Megan, Teddy and Joey.

Phone: 717-464-2782 (Extension 31)
Email: jlong@gracewv.org

Jan Shetter - Director of Assimilation
Connecting people to people and to God is what energizes Jan! She can be seen Sunday mornings working with the Lobby Hosts or at the Hospitality Center; her assimilation team has majored in making guests feel welcome at Grace. Jan has been on staff since 1998; she has her Master of Education in Music degree from Trenton State University. She is married to Sheldon, and they have four grown children and six grandchildren.

Phone: 717-464-2782 (Extension 25)
Email: jshetter@gracewv.org  

Pat Meister - Director of Children’s Ministry
Pat has a passion for children. She loves to see how these little lives are changed through the hard work and dedication of a great group of Children’s Ministry teachers. Pat has been instrumental in bringing Caraway Street to Grace and she is really looking forward to seeing the transformation of the kids with this exciting program. Pat lives in Strasburg with her husband Davy and their daughter Cassie. Their son Josh, his wife Nikki and grandchildren Gabriel and Avabella live in Virginia.

Phone: 717-464-2782 (Extension 35)
Email: pmeister@gracewv.org

 
Brad Gibbs - Director of Student Ministries
Shalom; Brad Gibbs here, the young man with the privilege of hanging out with the teens at Grace Church @ Willow Valley. My gig is all about equipping students to Know God, Build Community, and Serve others as they go along for the Glory of Yahweh. I consider teens to be the most powerful people group in the world when they are passionate and equipped to succeed. The energy and strength exuded from a room of teenagers is both powerful and exciting. My passion for teens is strong because each and every one of them yearns for acceptance; unfortunately, only a few actually feel loved on a daily basis. My job is to make every teen I meet feel like they are the most important person in the world; a thumbprint of the creator. It is by God’s grace alone that I am in the position that I am to serve and influence lives. I am not perfect nor will I ever be. I am in process learning how to know the Character of God and reflect it every second of every day. If you think of me pray for me, because I need all the help I can get. Grace and Peace to you from God our Father! Soli Deo Gloria!

Phone: 717-464-1439 (Extension 22)
Email: bgibbs@gracewv.org

Tina Palguta - Director of Kids Express Preschool
Tina Palguta - Director of Kids Express Preschool In her role as the Director of Kids Express Preschool, you are sure to find Tina floating from classroom to classroom during school days. Tina began this role in July, 2006. Her great organizational skills and lengthy background in both preschool and public schools is a tremendous asset to our preschool. Tina has lived in Lancaster County for the past 14 years. She has several degrees, the latest being a Masters of Education. She feels blessed by God for bringing her to an exceptional church and preschool! Tina resides in Manheim Township with her husband and two boys.

Phone: 717-464-1439 (Extension 29)
Email: tpalguta@gracewv.org

 Patty Deiter – Director of Music & Women’s Ministries
Patty joined the Grace Staff in August 2008, but she has been a member of the Grace family since 1995.  Patty has two loves – music and teaching -  and she is passionate about using both to bring glory to God and draw others closer to Him.  In addition to her responsibilities in the music  and women’s ministries at Grace Church, Patty is a kindergarten teacher in the Solanco School District where she has been teaching for the past 26 years.  Patty has also been involved in the ministries of Rawlinsville Camp Meeting since the early 1980’s.  She is a graduate of Taylor University and is currently working on her Master’s of Ministry degree from Lancaster Bible College. 

Phone: 717-464-2782 (Extension 34)
Email: pdeiter@gracewv.org

David Julian – Worship Intern

An intern at Grace, David has been helping to develop and shape our 10:30 service. He works closely with the Director of and Assistant Director of Music to organize, plan, and lead times of worship. His passion is to lead the worldwide body of Christ to a true place of worship, through all forms of art. David has been on staff since 2008. He is currently studying at Lancaster Bible College and will graduate with a bachelor’s degree in Bible and Worship Arts with a focus on guitar. He married his best friend Jessica two years ago.

Email: djulian@gracewv.org

Jessica Martin – Children’s Ministry Intern
Originally from Mifflinburg, PA, Jessica is currently a senior at Lancaster Bible College majoring in Children's Ministry, where she will graduate with a B. S. in Bible in May of 2010. Once graduated, Jessica plans to pursue a career in Children’s Ministry and work toward a Master’s Degree. At Grace, Jessica continues to have many opportunities to combine countless hours of classroom lectures and presentations with practical, hands-on ministry. She loves serving the children, their families, and the volunteers within the Children’s Ministry at Grace and is thankful for the many lessons they have taught and the love they have extended. 

Phone: 717-464-2782 (Extension 35)
Email: jmartin@gracewv.org